Forum Discussion

TWO_4_THE_ROAD's avatar
Aug 09, 2016

REDWOOD CITY,CA TO LEE VINING,CA

We are planning a trip to redwood city,ca and then wanting to go to Toulleme Meadows/lee vining. I see in the map that Hwy 120 is a pretty direct route. My question is how is the road/grade. Pulling a 30ft 5eer. Chev/ 2500hd duramax Allison. Is pulling a rig like this recommended on the route?
  • nevadanick wrote:
    That route is fine as well as you could take 88 to 395 and go that way.


    Or 50 t0 395.
  • What route did you take? I can't believe people are afraid of 120. I've taken my motorhome over it many times. 45 foot tour busses go over it all the time. I used to have land up at the top of Priest Grade and I bought a couple of doubles loads of gravel and the truck driver took his semi-truck up it with all that gravel! I sure hope you didn't go all the way around to I-80.
  • 120 is no problem with a trailer, as long as you know how to downshift and you use the pullouts to let the traffic go by. We have gone from Groveland to Lee Vining and back many times, and my truck is not nearly as powerful as yours is!
  • That route is fine as well as you could take 88 to 395 and go that way.
  • drmopar wrote:
    Will your trip involve climbing the "New Priest Grade" ? on 120? You do NOT want to. Very, Very steep, no guardrails in most spots, and for sure to overheat if it is hot out.


    According to Cal Trans, New Priest Grade is 4 percent. Old Priest Grade is 17percent, also according to Cal Trans.

    I would think even with the many curves, it is doable and probably a little slow, but faster than going around and up 50 or I-80 and then to Lee Vining. Tioga is steeper than NPG so just gear down.
  • Discount the 2 previous scaremongers...I have driven 120 both ways with our 37' 5er, no problem going or coming. The DuraMax/Allison combo can take it without a worry. Enjoy the scenery and drive.

    Travelon
  • Coming down Tioga pass will be interesting with a trailer. I would go around on I-80.
  • Will your trip involve climbing the "New Priest Grade" ? on 120? You do NOT want to. Very, Very steep, no guardrails in most spots, and for sure to overheat if it is hot out.